Free public transport for carers in Victoria during National Carers Week

Key points:

• During National Carers Week, carers can use public transport for free in Victoria
• National Carers Week brings attention to the millions of unpaid Australian carers and highlights the importance of self-care
• Julie, a carer for her husband with Alzheimer’s disease, highlighted the value of seeking help and joining support groups to cope with the stress of being a caregiver

Victorian carers are eligible for free public transport during National Carers Week to help carers stay connected with others and attend carer events to improve wellbeing.

National Carers Week highlights the importance of unpaid carers in Australia and how carers who don’t prioritise self-care can burn out and be unable to provide care to their loved ones.

Victorian Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence encouraged carers to enjoy the events held across the state this week without transport being a barrier. 

“We are offering free public transport this National Carers Week to help carers enjoy everything Victoria has to offer this spring,” she said.

“Carers often put their own needs aside to care for others, and it’s important we acknowledge their unwavering support to friends and loved ones and celebrate them as much possible.”

National Carers Week is held from October 13 to 19, 2024, to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about unpaid Australian carers who look after a family member or friend.

Events across Australia include a carers wellbeing high tea, movie screenings and trivia nights. Visit the National Carers Week website for more information about the events and times.

Partners comprise more than one in three unpaid carers who look after others, with approximately seven in ten carers aged 50 years and over. 

However, approximately 94 percent of Australian caregivers ‘often feel physically or mentally exhausted due to their caregiving responsibilities.’

Signs of burnout that may affect some carers include feeling constantly worried, losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, feeling more irritated or frustrated and sleeping too much or not enough.

Although burnout and depression have similar attributes, burnout is related to certain situations, such as caring for someone, unpaid or otherwise, while depression affects all aspects of life.

Client Experience Manager Amy Devlin of Home Instead, an in-home care provider, explained that it is important for carers to have access to support, such as respite.

“As a community, we need to ensure we look after the unpaid carers, who do an incredible and essential job yet seldom receive the recognition they deserve,” she said.

“The simple fact is without the support they provide, their loved one, in many instances, will end up in either hospital or residential care.

“As you speak to the carer, the emotional and mental anguish they are experiencing is quite visible and there are also often physical signs — their hair may not be brushed or they may look exhausted.”

Approximately 2,476,700 Australians are unpaid carers according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. However, many Australians may not consider themselves to be carers as they are family members or friends who assist someone close to them.

Caring can be a challenging role because navigating a personal relationship with a family member with disability can become unclear if the carer is unsure of their role or expresses frustration related to providing care.

The University of Newcastle researchers found that some people providing care to family members with disability can become frustrated when completing ‘care-related tasks without preparation, directions, clear expectations or guidance.’

Ms Devlin highlighted that carers need to look after themselves to ensure that they can continue to provide care to their loved ones.

“Unfortunately, they may think that if they take a break then they aren’t doing their job properly,” she said.

“However, it’s incredibly important that they recharge their own batteries so they can continue to support their loved one rather than burn out altogether.

“Those caring for an ageing parent can also need a break, as providing that support and managing their own family and work commitments can be a really tall order.”

However, almost one in two carers report that they do ‘not feel recognised and valued by their community or by government’ and lack support to provide the best care for their family member.

One unpaid carer, Julie, looks after her husband, Stephen who has Alzheimer’s disease and is recovering from bladder cancer and three strokes. 

Julie highlighted that even though she is Stephen’s main carer, having some government-subsidised care means that she can also have some respite and pursue her own interests. 

“After Stephen had his strokes and I was preparing to bring him home from the hospital, the doctors told me to get some paid care,” she said.

“At the time, I thought ‘I’ll be right, I can do this [by myself].

“I got through the summer, [recovered from COVID] and was doing my best, but shortly after that I became really resentful and short with him — that’s when I realised I needed help.”

Stephen now receives some paid care and this time allows Julie to volunteer at a nearby community emergency relief service.

However, carers may need other support in addition to receiving paid care for their loved ones at home.

Julie cares for her husband, Stephen, who has Alzheimer’s disease. [Source: supplied]

Julie commented on the personal impact that engaging with other carers had on her mental health.

“Initially, I was reluctant to join a carers group but felt I needed to bounce off someone as none of our friends are going through something like this,” she said.

“The group has been incredible — there are six of us who get on famously and understand what one another are experiencing.”

Approximately 60 percent of Australian carers feel socially isolated, highlighting the value of support groups.

In addition to carers participating in social activities, spending time engaging in personal interests can help carers lower stress levels.

Elizabeth Jane, a respected well-being and mindfulness keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of finding hobbies that match your interests to enjoy greater life satisfaction.

“Hobbies provide a consistent source of joy and satisfaction, which can make it easier to cope with life’s challenges. When you have a hobby you’re passionate about, you have something positive to turn to during difficult times,” she said.

“Life can be demanding and hobbies offer a much-needed outlet to unwind and relax. Engaging in something you love helps to lower stress levels and promote mental well-being.”

Additionally, free services and support are available for unpaid carers across Australia through Carer Gateway. Options include attending support groups, counselling and engaging with online skill courses.

The most common reasons that a person needs care include physical disability, poor mental health, chronic health conditions and frailty due to ageing, according to the 2024 National Carer Survey. 

How do you manage burnout as an unpaid carer?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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